Panel system and method with embedded electronics

ABSTRACT

A system and method for a panel system containing embedded electronic elements providing both housing for the electronics and structural support. A preferred embodiment of the system is for a container security system, which is constructed into or conforming onto the roof, walls, door, or base of a cargo container is provided. The panel system may consist of a variety of electronic elements, batteries or power elements, sensors, a processing element to collect the sensor data, and a communications element to transmit outside of the container.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is a Continuation under 37 CFR 1.53(b) of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/017,588. Accordingly, the presentinvention claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/017,588filed Jan. 22, 2008, which was originally filed as U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/881,170 filed Jan. 19, 2007. No new matter has beenadded.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to embedded electronics inwalls or panels. A preferred embodiment of present invention relatesgenerally to container security and, more particularly, to a shippingcontainer security system, and to the sub systems used in this system.

2. Background of the Invention

Currently, most electronic devices are provided with a specific housing,which may be small (such as cell phones or alarm clocks) or large (suchas televisions or desk top computers). In some instances, electronics intheir housings are attached to wall surfaces, with clocks being anexample. That is, current electronics that are fixed to structureshaving separate housings for their protection and mounting.

As another example, steel containers, such as intermodal shippingcontainers, which have been in existence for more than fifty years,offer no mechanism for penetrating the container walls electronicallywith either conducting wires or radiofrequency waves. Thus, inherentdifficulty exists in externally inspecting the contents of the containerwithout physically opening the doors, or penetrating by cutting or someother physical means.

A problem faced by the Government and industry is one of providing anintermodal shipping container capable of detecting various modes ofthreat, such as insertion of unauthorized materials, tampering, exposureto harmful substances such as chemical or biological threats, as well astracking and reporting on location and contents. This is the “smart”container versus the often called “dumb box” that has been employed bythe industry for more than forty years.

A number of Federal government programs have been initiated in the last2-3 years with the goal of developing either a “smart” container or somekey portion of a container security system. The goals have included suchfeatures as total system security, detection of inserted weapons of massdestruction (WMDs), detection and reporting of tampering, andmaintaining fulltime reporting capability to show location. None hasdealt so specifically with chemical and biological protection or the useof innovative materials for the container (“hybrid polymer” is the RFPterminology).

Accordingly, a solution is needed for embedding electronics in walls orpanels for various purposes including the transmission of information ordata through those walls are panels.

3. Description of the Related Art

A container security system as described by System Planning Corporation(SPC) (U.S. Pat. No. 7,098,784) herein referred to as “the SPCInvention”, performs many of the functions to monitor containers, theircontent, and to detect tampering within a container during transit. Thisis accomplished through a device is which attached to a container, whichperforms multiple functions. Some of these functions may includecontrolling various sensors, collected the data from these sensors andtransmitting this data back to a central monitoring station. The centralmonitoring stations may also send commands and information to individualcontainers equipment with this device.

The SPC invention is has all of the electronic elements a in a housing.To install the SPC device on the container it must be mounted orattached which is often a cumbersome operation. In order to facilitateinstallation on a container, different mounting brackets may be used butthese result in additional cost. Also, for the SPC invention, theantenna device to the communication subsystem and the global positioningelement is mounted on the exterior of the container. In this case it canbe easily damaged, limits the ability to effectively stack containers,and it obvious to any person.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention offer a solution which can providean alternative housing. In aspects of the invention, parts of structurescan serve as both the protection and support for electronics. That is,embodiments of the invention have the advantage of integrating thefunctions of electronics and of structures to the improvement of both.

One preferred embodiment of the invention involves panels, which mayormay not provide mechanical functions, into which electronics have beenembedded wholly or partially for any purpose.

The system in the present invention is integrated or built into thecontainer structure. It may be installed in the factory, or variationsthereof permanently retrofitted in the field. It is highly concealed,and does not limit the stacking or other common movement of containersduring the shipping process. It is lower in cost, more durable, and byintegrating the sensors will allow superior performance in the detectionof intrusions.

The preferred embodiments of this invention provides a panel systemwhich is integrated into the container walls. This panel may include avariety of electronic elements, batteries or power elements, sensors, aprocessing element to collect and interpret the sensor data, andcommunications devices which may include: a short range wireless or awireless local area connection (WLAN) communications device; a cellularcommunications device, and a satellite communications device. The systemalso may contain a global positioning device.

Containers offer few means to penetrate the walls electronically witheither conducting wires or radio-frequency waves. As a result there isinherent difficulty in externally inspecting the contents of thecontainer without physically opening the doors, or penetrating bycutting or some other physical means. A panel system with embeddedelectronics will allow immediate and noninvasive inspection and internalcommunication by a number of means, which include optical,radio-frequency or other modalities of either inspection orcommunication.

In the present invention, the panel system is integrated into the roof,base, walls, or door area of the container and become part of thestructural elements of the container itself. There are several methodsfor construction of the antenna comprising;

The panel system being built directly into the container roof, base,walls, or door area as a permanently affixed device at the time ofcontainer manufacture;

A portion of the container walls, roof, or door being removed, and thepanel system being permanently installed replacing the removed sectionin on the container at the time of container original manufacture,refurbishment, or during field installation;

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to theattached drawings figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a panel in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a three-stage development process in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a panel structure in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic indication of the variation of the mechanicalstrength and the electronic utility of a container in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a finite element analysis of stresses in container-like box inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates RFID testing in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and methodfor embedding diverse available electronic components and functionswithin panels. The panels may be made of non-conducting materials, butelectrically conducting panels are possible in some applications. Onepurpose of the invention is to provide all the functions of modernelectronics inside of and near such panels.

Systems incorporating aspects of this invention have diverse functionsand numerous uses, including most broadly, the generation, manipulation,storage, communication and usage of information. Such functions may beaccomplished by sensing, computing and actuation of materials and energywithin the panels or in the locale of the panels. The functions can beused for monitoring environments and people outdoors and indoors for thepurposes of safety, for medical reasons, and for physical, information,homeland and national security, among many others.

The panels that contain the electronics can serve many other functionsin addition to those provided by the electronics. Such functions include(a) structural support, (b) barriers to matter, energy and biologicalentities on all scales, including the exclusion or inclusion of humansin nearby spaces, (c) sound and impact absorbers, (d) windows forelectromagnetic radiation, notably visible light and radio frequencywaves, and (e) decorations, among others.

The panels in embodiments of this invention can have widely varyingproperties. They might have dielectric properties such that they willtransmit any form of radiant energy, especially radiation in the visibleand radio-frequency (including microwave) regions of the electromagneticspectrum. In addition or in distinction to such responses toelectromagnetic radiation, the panels might also vary in response tomechanical stresses and, especially, transmit acoustic energy of anyfrequency. The panels might be transmissive to some of these forms ofenergy but opaque to others. These and other properties of the panelswill depend on the specific applications. For example, transparentmaterials will be used for applications involving transmission ofvisible (and nearby infrared or ultraviolet) radiation.

The panels can be made of any materials, natural or artificial. Woods,leathers and other materials from nature of any type can be used.Man-made materials including, but not limited to, all plastics(polymers), glasses, ceramics, papers and fabrics may be incorporated.Panels that operate by using energy in the acoustic spectrum can be madeof any of the above materials or metals or alloys. The panels can bemade of one or more materials, that is, embodiments of the inventioninclude composites of all types in addition to a single type ofmaterial. The composites might be homogeneous in nature or laminates ofany type. These and other characteristics of the panels will depend onthe specific application. Plastics are expected to be major materialsused for the panels for most functions.

The panels can have any geometry. If the panels have six sides, any ofthe pairs of facing sides can have any geometry and separation (distanceapart). Facing sides will commonly be flat and parallel, but that is nota restriction. Parallelism of flat sides is not a requirement. Any ofthe sides can be curved in any manner. In general, the panels can be anythree-dimensional shape of any size. Most of the applications willemploy panels that are rectangular solids, where two of the facing sidesare at a separation considerably smaller than the other two pairs offacing sides. The shape of the two larger sides will commonly be squareor rectangular, but it can also be circular, oval or other shapes.

The electronics embedded in the panels can be of any material and type.Conductors, semiconductors, resistors, glasses, polymers, liquidcrystals or all other electronic materials are included in theinvention. The electronics can range from individual components topartial or complete functional systems of any type and shape. Theembedded electronics can include either or both active and passivecomponents, and they can be any combination of analog or digitaldevices. The components can be solely electronics, or they can includemicromechanical or micro-optical functionality. They can be bare orpackaged in any manner. Included in the embedded electronics may be (a)sensors of any type for any physical, chemical or biological entity, (b)computing devices of any type, notably microcontrollers,microprocessors, digital signal processors, field programmable gatearrays or combinations of computational devices, (c) memory chips of anykind, including flash and all other types of semiconductor memories,magnetic memories (including disk drives), ferroelectric memories ormemories made of any other materials, or (d) application specificintegrated circuits of any type, such as radio receivers, transmittersor transceivers. Components ancillary to and supporting of theelectronics and their functions, such as, but not limited to, (a)batteries or other energy storage devices, (b) energy sources such asphotovoltaic devices, (c) light emitters and detectors, (d) antennas ofall types (including ceramic chip-scale antennas and antennas made ofembedded wires or foils or conductors applied to laminates of thepanels), or (e) acoustic pickups or emitters, are included in theinvention. The electronics for the panels need not be monolithic units,but can consist of separated components, modules or systems that areconnected by any means to pass information or energy from one part ofthe electronics to another part. Any means of connection, includingelectrical conductors, optical conductors and transmission of radiant oracoustic energy through the panel material, are included in theinvention. Input devices, such as devices sensitive to touch by humansor other objects, of any type and output devices, such as any flat paneldisplays (including clocks) are included in embodiments of theinvention.

All types and frequencies of carriers and all protocols forcommunication of information through solids, liquids and gasses may beincorporated in embodiments of the invention. Examples include, but arenot limited to all protocols for satellite communications, cell phones,Wi-Fi and related protocols, BlueTooth, and ZigBee.

Any of the panels can have embedded into them in any fashion anyone ormore of the possible electronics. All combinations of panels andelectronics are contemplated. The electronics can be embedded in thepanels in any manner, by any means and at any time during the productionof the panels. The electronics can be made separately and then embeddedinto the panels, or they can be produced as part of the process ofmanufacturing the panels. The embedding of the electronics can bepartial or full. That is, embodiments of the invention include caseswhere the electronics are not entirely within the panel, but recessedinto the panel to some degree and in some manner. Cases where theelectronics span any fraction or the entire thickness of a panel areincluded in the invention. The materials and means for affixing theelectronics to the panels can be of any type, including adhesives andmechanical fasteners.

Loading of energy and information into the electronics can be done priorto embedding, after embedding and before use or during the usefullifetime of the panels. Loading of either energy or information can bedone once or multiple times, depending on the characteristics and usesof the panels. The panels can be used in any orientation andconfiguration, in combination with any other materials, structures anddevices, including electronics, optics and acoustics exterior to thepanels. They can be used vertically and incorporated into walls of anystructure. The panels can be used as windows for light or any otherradiant energy. They can be installed horizontally in the floor orceiling, or other parts, of a structure.

Example Types of Uses.

The table below describes potential uses of the invention; it is notinclusive of all potential uses.

Type of use Description of how invention can be used TransportationSecurity portals; transmission of security signals; self- Security De-contained security packages vices Entertainment Wireless communicationfrom TV-satcom; in-home wireless connectivity; wireless transmission toscoreboard; embedded in games, TV and other displays, speakers for homeand other sound systems Toys Multi-function wireless games; tracking ofmotion toys; security of expensive outdoor toys -bicycles, cars,skateboards Decorative Wireless control of wall displays, decorativefeatures; Applications window and security controls: panels that changecolors and apparent textures Home Wireless Combination homesecurity/home appliance controls Device Control (wireless); homeenvironment control; alarm detection/reporting Automotive Radio/TVsignal transmission; security, tracking, alarming; applications autooperational function detection and reporting Trucking Same as automotiveapplications, plus cargo monitoring Applications Railroad Same astrucking applications Applications Maritime Safety and securitydetection, reporting; boat maintenance Applications reporting functions;remote control of environment Aircraft Safety, monitoring all contentsof a plane (including Applications people), providing information of anytype by any means Home Wireless security, detection of alarms andreporting; Security remote control of facilities, functions MonitoringUse to detect inter-modal container intrusions, changes, Devices andprovide protection; facility monitoring, control Photographic Dark roommonitoring, control; light detection, alerting usage Store & OtherConcealed system for theft detection, surveillance security MedicalMonitoring treatment centers; monitoring transport of drugs,pharmaceuticals Environmental Monitoring sensitive rooms, areas;detection of changes in clean facilities; providing data on conditionsoutside of a structure incorporating electronic panels. ReadingMonitoring the presence of and reading identification Electronic tags inan area by RF or acoustic means ID Devices Wireless Monitoring thepresence of and reading identification Sensors tags in an area by RF oracoustic mean People and Monitoring the location and activities ofadults, children Animals and pets within and nearby homes or otherlocations Homes, Offices, Obtaining and presenting information withinbuildings Stores and for any purpose Factories Indoor Location Relayingoutdoor signals for determination of locations; Services providinglocation information by any technology Military Uses providing any ofthe civil functionalities to the military for any reason. MiscellaneousPanels to acquire and present information and provide controls in anylocations, such as an airport, for any reason. Windows For any type ofenergy in any of the above applications

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of theinvention. The displayed container wall may include a polymer-basedcomposite with embedded electronics, sensors, and communicationsFilament wound plastics are one type of polymer-based composite that maybe implemented.

In embodiments of the invention, plastics may be used to provide awindow approximately one-meter square in a steel box, a twenty-footcontainer. In other embodiments, the panel will be expanded to include aportion of the filament wound container, and contain embedded sensorsand communication devices, including antennas and batteries. The conceptis similar to today's smart cards which see daily usage by the billionsfor a variety of purposes, including security. The smart cards containvarying levels of complexity and electronics, depending on theirpurpose. Like smart cards, the panel concept involves electronicsembedded in plastics. The panel can be viewed as a larger and morestructurally sound smart card with different applications. An intermodalcontainer constructed with the panels should pass handling, usefulness,and security tests including chem/bio protection.

The “Smart” intermodal shipping containers created in embodiments of theinvention will be capable of being tracked, traced, scanned forinventory, and provided with chemical, biological and other sensors tomeet the Department of Defense (DoD) critical logistical requirementsfor providing In-Transit Visibility (ITV) in operational theaters.

An objective is to integrate off-the-shelf technology that can meet thechemical and biological agent detection requirements sought by the Armyand demonstrate use of an innovative material for the container, whilemaintaining many of the other “smart” properties that have beenresearched, developed and demonstrated.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the three-stage development process thatincludes three generations of containers. The third generation “Smart”containers may be hybrids of metal and plastic with electronics embeddedin the walls, both vertical and horizontal (as shown) This simplegraphic shows the forty year first generation ISO containercross-section (left), evolved in the 2002-2006 timeframe to a secondgeneration system with added internal electronics (sensors, batteries,communications capability), shown in the center graphic. The right-handschematic shows the panel inserted into the container wall that has hada window cut into the box; the embedded electronics are within thepanel.

FIG. 3 provides more detail regarding the structure of the third panel.The left-hand graphic shows the mounting within the panel of thefunctional electronics and antennas for radio frequency (RF)transception. The electronics include sensors, a controller, atransceiver chip, and batteries. The right-hand graphic is athrough-the-wall cut, showing the location of components in thecontainer, the sensors, and within the panel, the electronics andantennas. The left-panel shows the combination of electronics andantennas, which can be put in the central position, as shown, orelsewhere within the panel. The right figure shows a cross-section ofthe panel showing the electronics embedded within the polymer. Sensors,including imagers, can be entirely embedded or attached to the interiorsurface. The latter approach permits the use of different sensor modulesfor different purposes.

The container design is intended to be such that it will result in alower cost manufacturing production system than exists at present andfull integration into DoD total asset visibility (TAV) systems. It willmeet DoD-specified chemical and biological (CB) sensing and alertingrequirements. In addition, the capabilities of the proposed electronicpanel system enhance the overall capability of the Army's “smart”container system.

In embodiments of the invention, a “Smart” ISO container design meetsDoD operational and functional requirements for a fieldable system.Requirements include not only ITV/ATV operability and CB detection, butthe analysis of the functional objectives of lowered cost (a cost lessthan ISO steel boxes), feasibility of operation, and equivalent orimproved mechanical capabilities (to be confirmed through finite elementanalyses) under all operational and environmental conditions. Theembodiment will integrate known and existing technologies and materials.The embodiment will meet various objectives including integration intoITV/ATV systems, CB sensing and alerting, manufacturability,withstanding normal operating conditions, structural goals, and weightgoals.

Integration into ITV/ATV systems—A goal is to support the Army's missionof providing timely, customer-focused global mobility through efficient,effective, and integrated transportation from origin to destination. Aglobal track system may be integrated and embedded in the container bothin its design (in the e Wall™ demonstration) and in prototypefabrication.

CB sensing and alerting—An objective is to provide CB detection for ISOintermodal containers through a program of material protection, sensingand alerting, where such defense does not currently exist. A multi-layerfilament wound “skin” which with embedded electronic panel componentswill be investigated to replace the generally corrugated steel skin (thesteel sheet metal) that forms the current box skin.

Ability to be manufactured [manufacturability—An alternative material(i.e., the electronic panel and its surrounding material to replace thesteel skin) may be implemented with demonstrated manufacturability, toreplace the current principally steel boxes employed in the industry.The feasibility of manufacturing and securing nominal size sheets may bedemonstrated.

Withstanding normal operating conditions—The severe stresses imposed bythe operating conditions a container must withstand through handling,stacking, imposed gloads, torque, compression loading, and others areaddressed and handled. A high strength steel frame may be attached tothe skin. The frame and the electronic panel box will be structurallydesigned to handle all anticipated conditions. Finite element methods(FEM) of analysis will be used to calculate the strength of thecontainer under operating conditions.

Withstanding extremes of environmental conditions—The environment towhich a sea container is exposed is severe, ranging from temperatureextremes to severely corrosive sea air, heavy icing conditions, andpounding rain. The container must withstand this environment. Modernmaterials may be implemented, capable of meeting all anticipatedenvironmental conditions.

Structural goals-Embodiments of the invention will equal or exceed thestrength of a steel box. A modern steel frame and composite sheetingmaterials may be sized to provide the necessary structural response.Finite element analyses (FEA) can be conducted to study the boxstrength.

Weight goals—A fifty percent reduction in weight of the overall boxversus steel can be provided to meet a highly desirable commercial goal.Light weight high strength plastic composites may be implemented. Lightweight and ultra high strength composites tend to be very expensive,perhaps prohibitively, so an optimum strength versus cost in tradeoffanalyses may be required for each application.

The ISO intermodal shipping container that has been developed over thelast 40 years is a basic steel “dumb” box. The labor-intensivemanufacturing fabrication method required to fabricate the box has beenunchanged in virtually four decades; manufacturing has been outsourcedto foreign countries (principally in Asia) to obtain lower prices. Newand advanced manufacturing processes using polymer-based compositematerial, material co-mingling (integration), and dynamic structuraldesign using finite element analysis can be used to investigate themanufacturing process to shift from its current labor intensive singleunit fabrication to mass production. with possibly a 50% reduction(estimated) in overall weight.

A filament wound polymer may be used as a principal polymer-basedmaterial, integrated with either the existing steel skeleton or anaugmented (to obtain the necessary compressive strength) skeleton forthe basic container structural material, incorporating sensors that candetect unauthorized entry and chemical agents, biological agents,explosives, and possibly illegal drugs. The system may be designed toconsider future fiber optic sensing systems. Additionally, the containermay be fabricated integrating a proprietary security and communicationsystem, such as SPC's GlobalTrack™ container security system.

Current steel containers are not hardened or integrated in any mannerfor survivability to a chemical or biological attack. The contents ofthe all-steel containers may be contaminated in a CB attack. The nextgeneration of ISO “Smart” intermodal shipping containers must be CBhardened, which starts with CB detection, and RFID (Radio FrequencyIdentification Device) capable.

Active RFID interrogation is rapidly becoming a requirement. Within anenclosed steel container, RFID interrogation is not easily performedbecause of the impossibility of radio wave propagation through steelwalls Our plastic walls, being transparent to RF waves and yetmaintaining structural integrity, will allow penetration of the RFIDsignals. Disposable low-cost RFID passive tags can be applied at thelowest levels (individual item, case, pallet, etc.) to meet minimumtagging requirements for data acquisition. The features will allow DoDto reach established goals and objectives through providing enhanced CBprotection, total asset visibility, improved life cycle costs, accuratefinancial audits of inventory, and logistical tracking of containermovements.

To summarize, the features may include: (a) A GPS transponder providedfor real time tracking capability; this is included with the GlobalTrakSystem today. (b) X-ray transparency; X-rays will easily pass though anon-steel container e Wall™, thereby increasing homeland security. (c)The “Smart” container incorporating SPC's GlobalTrak™ system will allowfor a single source logistical system capable of wireless encrypted datatransmission to handheld as well as fixed data download stations;centralized data retrieval will be possible. (d) Commercial applicationsfor this technology appear to be extensive and include commercialmerchant shipping, dry and refrigerated cargos (possibly using a foamedpolymer shell). (e) The “Smart” container, particularly as itincorporates the GlobalTrak™ System as its core, will meet Department ofHomeland Security directives regarding container security.

Since containers were first manufactured in the 1960's, many materialsand processes have been used. Large polymer containers have beeninvestigated, and are currently fabricated and used for DoD purposessuch as large missile and rocket components. Information concerningthese uses and materials will be compiled. Panel development may beassessed to optimize material usage. The state of high-strength polymerdevelopment and integration of the steel skeleton and polymer skin (thatis, combination of the filament wound plastic and steel structuralmembers) may be implemented.

FIG. 4 is a schematic indication of the variation of the mechanicalstrength and the electronic utility of a container shown as a functionof the fraction of plastic making up the structure of the container. Aspolymer replaces metal, the strength will decrease, but the ability tobuild electronics into the structure of the container increases.Thresholds for strength are known. The shapes of the variations inmechanical strength and electronic utility are merely suggestive.

FIG. 4 shows the diminished mechanical strength as a function ofincreased fraction of plastic, as well as increased electronic utility.The eWall™ demonstration using the meter-square window will be locatedon this graphic at approximately the 2% plastic fraction point.

FIG. 5 shows finite element analysis of stresses in container-like boxParametric analysis may include finite element analyses (FEA) ofportions of the configuration to assist in estimating the mechanicalstrength of various designs. FIG. 5 is an example of the finite elementanalysis of a container taken fromhttp://www.clfrl.ac.uk/Facilities/AstraWeb/AstraGeminilntChamb.htm. Itshows a configuration of a chamber similar to a container undergoingfinite element analysis.

Electronic panel windows may include compound sheets approximately 1meter by 1 meter and testing for RFID transmission into the container.The window will be mounted on the side of the container as shownearlier. The RFID tests will be performed as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 illustrates plan views of the demonstration container showing thelocation of the RF transmitter (Xmtr) and receiver (Rcvr) fordemonstrating the bidirectional transmissibility of the eWall™ to commonRF frequencies for RFID and wireless sensors. The Xmtr will be afrequency generator with an antenna, and the Rcvr antenna feeding an RFspectrum analyzer.

In embodiments of the invention, new and potential replacement materialand fabrication technology may be implemented. While existingnon-conventional materials are used for containers, the employment ofsuch materials, e.g., filament wound plastics and proven fabricationprocesses, offers exciting opportunities when coupled with GlobalTrack™system implementation. For example, the GlobalTrak™ device and itscommunication network can be fabricated to be integral with thecontainer, and certain elements of the system can be molded into thecontainer, making it a totally secure and integrated ‘smart container’as has been long sought by the USG and industry.

As the adoption of “smart cards” has revolutionized personal security interms of efficiency and additional security, so can the eWall™ programand its enhancements to container technology. The container contents canbe scanned very efficiently, and 100% of the containers can be rapidlyscreened. This is a considerable improvement from the screening possibletoday. the possibility of providing an evolutionary new method forcontainer inspection, and beyond that, it can offer the ground step ofapplication of innovative materials in the modern container market.

The smart container can help overcome the fears of many regardingsecurity. Costs can be reduced, transit time can be reduced, andlabor-intensive human inspections can be basically eliminated. Beyondserving its principal role as an intermodal shipping container, thereare other roles suggested. These include providing emergency housing forFEMA emergency operations, providing refrigerated container use, andproviding a means of carrying potable water. While such uses have beenconsidered, they have not been found overly attractive. the use of amore fully polymerized container for such purposes may be advisable.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed in detail herein, it should be understood that various changesand modifications might be made to the invention without departing fromthe scope and intent of the invention.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, togetherwith other advantages, which are obvious and inherent to the system andmethod. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinationsare of utility and may be employed without reference to other featuresand sub-combinations. This is contemplated and within the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wall system configured to provide monitoringand structural support for a cargo container wherein the container iscomprised of an interior area for holding goods and a plurality of wallcomponents for enclosing the interior area, the wall system comprising:at least one wall component having a housing enclosed within the body ofthe wall component for enclosing embedded electronics outside of theinterior area, wherein the housing is comprised of six sectionsincluding an outer wall, an inner wall, a roof section, a floor section,a front wall and a rear wall, further wherein at least one sectionoperates as a door such that the housing may be opened and closed andsealed off from the interior area of the container, further wherein atleast one section of the wall component provides structural supportwithin the body of the wall component; wherein at least one section ofthe wall component is comprised of an outer layer, wherein the outerlater is comprised of at least one material which is configured toenhance the transmission of signals through the wall of the container;and an electronics panel designed to support a suite of electroniccomponents, wherein the suite of electronic components includes one ormore components for monitoring the interior area of the container. 2.The wall system of claim 1, wherein the electronics panel is configuredto support: at least one sensor element; a communications element; aprocessing element; and a global positioning or GPS element.
 3. The wallsystem of claim 1, wherein the wall system performs at least one of thefollowing functions: structural support; barriers to matter, energy andbiological entities; the exclusion or inclusion of humans in nearbyspaces; sound and impact absorbers; or windows for electromagneticradiation, notably visible light and radio frequency waves.
 4. The wallsystem of claim 1, wherein at least one section of the wall component iscomprised of dielectric materials such that they will transmit orreceive various forms of radiant energy.
 5. The wall system of claim 1,wherein at least one section of the wall component is comprised ofselective filters which may be transmissive to some forms of radiofrequency energy but opaque to others.
 6. The wall system of claim 1,wherein the electronics within the electronics components include atleast one electronic device selected from the group of electronicdevices containing: conductors, semiconductors, resistors, glasses,polymers, liquid crystals, either active or passive components, or both,any combination of analog or digital devices, a battery or power source,antenna devices, devices for radio frequency transmission or reception,or sensor devices.
 7. The wall system of claim 2, wherein thecommunications element comprises a wireless communications devicecomprised of a transmitter element, a complementary receiver element,and an antenna element.
 8. The wall system of claim 2, wherein theprocessing element controls the system, collects data from the sensors,processes sensor data, and sends data to the communications element. 9.The wall system of claim 2, wherein the sensor element comprises one ormore sensors, collects data from the sensors, processes sensor data, andsends data to the wireless communications device.
 10. The wall system ofclaim 7, wherein the communications device comprises a cellularcommunications device, a satellite communications device, or both. 11.The wall system of claim 2, wherein the sensing element includes atleast one sensor selected from the group of sensors containing:temperature sensor, visible light sensor, acoustic sensor, vibrationsensor, motion sensor, microbolometer, radiation sensor, hazardouschemical sensor, explosives sensor, proximity sensor, infrared sensor,door switch sensor, and smoke detector.